It has been observed that with each generation the number of patients with allergic diseases and reactions increases. Some authors attribute this fact to environmental pollution, others to poor-quality nutrition, and still others insist on a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions.
It is likely that all these factors together are predisposing to the development of allergic reactions. One of the most dangerous manifestations of allergies is Quincke's edema. What are the symptoms of angioedema? What is the first aid for Quincke's edema?
Symptoms of angioedema. When do you need urgent help?
For the first time, the disease was described by the German doctor Quincke at the end of the 19th century. Quincke's edema is an immediate type reaction in response to allergens (antibiotics, bromides, sulfanilamide drugs, acetylsalicylic acid). In response to them, biologically active substances are released, which contribute to increased permeability of the vascular wall, provoking the development of edema.
Quincke's edema is manifested by the development of deep edema of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the face. Sometimes the process can be localized on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Symptoms of Quincke's edema develop sharply and suddenly. Limited swelling appears on different parts of the body. The color of the skin or mucosa does not change. The tissues in the place of edema are tense, the process of palpation is painless. The dent after pressing does not remain. Frequent localization of angioedema – lips, tongue, eyelids, cheeks and larynx.
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Patient sensations with symptoms of Quincke's edema:
- When tongue edema develops, it increases significantly in size, not fitting in the mouth.
- Swelling of the larynx and tongue is the most dangerous, as it threatens with the rapid development of asphyxia. The patient feels short of breath, breathing becomes difficult.
- Aphonia develops, the tongue becomes bluish. Lack of medical care leads to death.
- Symptoms of Quincke's edema can spread to the brain tissue and meninges. This is manifested by neurological symptoms – hemiplegia, aphasia, epileptiform convulsions.
Differential diagnosis of angioedema symptoms
If there are symptoms of Quincke's edema, it is necessary to differentiate them with three conditions. This is erysipelas, collateral edema and lymphostasis with periostitis, as well as with Melkerson's syndrome – Rosenthal.
Melkerson Syndrome – Rosenthal is characterized by the presence, in addition to swelling of the lips, neuritis of the facial nerve and folding of the tongue. At the same time, the swelling of the lips is not pronounced, it has a chronically relapsing course.
Erysipelatous inflammation is characterized, in addition to swelling of the lip, by its reddening in the form of flames. Such a symptom of Quincke's edema, as an increase in the tongue, must be differentiated from different types of macroglossia. As a rule, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the history. Angioedema is always characterized by an acute manifestation of symptoms of Quincke's edema.
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What is the treatment for symptoms of angioedema?
Therapeutic tactics in the development of symptoms of Quincke's edema is the introduction of antihistamines intramuscularly. You also need to immediately eliminate contact with possible allergens. If laryngeal edema is present, prednisolone is administered. If necessary, a tracheostomy is performed. With a decrease in blood pressure, epinephrine is injected subcutaneously.
If symptoms of Quincke's edema occur on the outer parts of the body, the prognosis is favorable. If edema has developed on the meninges or larynx – the patient requires immediate treatment and observation. In any case, at the first symptoms of Quincke's edema, the patient must be hospitalized.
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